5 Road Trip Must Haves

In South Africa we are blessed with far too many public holidays. This calls for road trips year round. Over the past few months Oscar and I have stocked up the Landy with all sorts of road trip must haves.

Now I know having a fire extinguisher is a bit excessive but you need one when you go off-roading (One day) but that only takes up one of the 4 glove boxes. So I have plenty of space to fill the remaining 3 with all sorts of things. Some of which, have come in handy more often than one would imagine. There are many things relating to safety that we are yet to cover that you need to take on your road trip, but in true form I went for comfort first.

First Aid Kit (Fully stocked) You can buy compact ones from Clicks or Dischem and they have everything you need. From anti-itch cream to burn shields and space blankets.

PRO TIP – add a small pack of tampons (yes tampons) and some Myprodols/Extra Panados. This comes in handy SO often.

Wet Wipes – This is a must. Sticky hands, hot faces, when you need to wake up or just refresh.

PRO TIP – Check your packet once a month. When they dry up they are useless. When you see they are getting a bit dry, add a few drops of water and shake/massage the bag to work the moisture through.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream – This stuff is miracle in a tube. I even have my husband asking for it. The tiniest drops restores moisture to dry lips, hands and I even use it on my cheekbones to make me look less dead when we arrive at our destination.

PRO TIP – When you buy one at Red Square they sometimes have tiny samples. This is perfect to keep in your car.

Map Book of SA– Yup. Because sometimes technology fails us and we are left with no batteries or no signal. Grab a Map Book (You get great ones with the whole county in it) and add it to the cubby hole.

PRO TIP – add notes to your book when you travel somewhere. Where to eat, where to find what in that location, where to fill up your car etc. These notes make traveling there again easier and also make for fun memories and something to share.

Towel – You never know when you want to take a dip in a river, run on the beach or dry off from running in the rain. Having a micro-towel (available at Cape Union Mart)

PRO TIP – Get a soft one. Soft towels tend to double for great blankets should you and your driving partner have a disagreement on the setting of the aircon.

The average traveller

You will find many glorious travel blogs and sites of the most beautiful resorts around the globe. You can find lists of what to pack in matching luggage. Gosh, the world is full of travel bloggers who take amazing photos that leave you wanting to up and leave your day job and travel the world. I am not that travel blogger. I live to travel and discover new places. Sometimes that includes places right down the road. Sometimes it involves a long haul flight or two. I am average. I travel on an average budget, I travel with average luggage and gadgets but I tell extraordinary stories.